MQM-P pushes for empowering LGs

MQM-P advocates for three changes

HYDERABAD:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM- P) Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has reiterated his party’s  call  for  constitutional amendments aimed at decentralising authority and funds  to local  governments.

Addressing a reception in Hyderabad on Sunday, he emphasised that while the Constitution has seen up to 20 amendments, the MQM-P is advocating three specific changes. Dr Siddiqui suggested that the Constitution should extend the same protective and empowering measures to urban, rural, and district- based governments, mirror- ing the safeguards granted tthorities.

He proposed that  just  as   the Constitution  outlines  departments  and  organisations  under  central and   provincial jurio federal and  provincial ausdictions,  it  should  also  enumerate  the  departments of local  governments.

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The third proposed amendment pertains to the transfer of funds from   provinces to districts, akin to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award granted from the Centre to the provinces. Dr Siddiqui further pressed for a constitutional stipulation that mandates the postponement of national   and provincial assembly elections until elected local governments are in place.

Advocating for timely local government elections, Dr   Siddiqui proposed a legal   framework requiring elections within three months after the expiration of an   elected local government’s tenure.  He underscored the importance of empowering local communities to decide matters related to water sup- ply and drainage. Dr Siddiqui criticised the   Constitution for its perceived failure to protect itself and the people, attributing it to the influence of a ruling mafia exploiting societal weaknesses